Laser lights produced through low-powered cold lasers has currently come into use considering that a non-surgical hair restoration treatment concerning pattern hair loss. Laser lights have been practiced in the medical field for many years. Use of laser light as a hair replacement therapy for treatment of hereditary baldness, however, is a newer application of laser technology. The “cold” lasers used as a hair replacement therapy deliver what is called low-level laser therapy (LLLT).

The LLLT lasers are described as “cold” due to their light is literally absorbed by target tissue, but does not heat the target tissue as occurs with lasers used to cut and redesign tissue.

The Mechanics of a Laser

The laser is a device that produces and shines of a very specific wavelength and power (wattage). The features of wavelengths are what make laser unique. The color of laser light and the wattage are selected for specific purposes.

For example, lasers that emit narrow wavelengths of green, red, infrared, etc., are selected and paired with appropriate power for specific purposes. The laser light used for treatment of pattern hair loss shows red light with a wavelength of 630-670 nanometers, and low power (wattage).

LLLT in Hair Restoration: How It Works

The answer is: due to red light in that narrow spectrum at low power is absorbed by hair follicle molecules that are critical to boosting hair growth or regrowth. Absorption of light by the hair follicle molecules is essential in order for a biological reaction for being boosted in the molecules. If light is never absorbed, no reaction will occur.

An accidental observation in laboratory mice in 1967 led to the discovery in which visible red laser light stimulates hair growth. A Hungarian scientist investigating the effect of laser light in treating skin cancer noticed that hair grew back faster on the skin of shaved mice treated with visible red laser light.

Research has shown that visible red laser light in the 630-670 nanometer spectrum is absorbed by an enzyme called cytochrome c. Photobiological reactions stimulated in cytochrome c send signals throughout cells of the hair follicle, stimulating enhanced gene activity, reduced gene-regulated cell death, and other changes which enhance cell activity and survival.

LLLT does not stimulate hair regrowth in every person. If molecules are unable to absorb laser light, or unable to adequately respond to absorbed light, no stimulation of hair regrowth will occur. Experience has shown that stimulation of hair regrowth by LLLT is more likely to occur when hair loss is minor to moderate. Physicians who use LLLT in a treatment plan for a patient’s pattern hair loss have often noted it is more effective when used with other medical therapies such as hair restoration drugs.

Some physician hair restoration specialists have reported that LLLT may enhance hair growth and decrease inflammation after hair transplantation. LLLT is not a “one time only” treatment for pattern hair loss. Similar to other medical therapies, treatment must be repeated at intervals to maintain hair regrowth results. The ISHRS takes no official stand on LLLT as a treatment for hair loss. On the one hand, it recognizes that some members strongly believe in LLLT as a complement to other treatments. On the other hand, the ISHRS beware that there is currently a lack of good support from large, well-designed double-blind studies to support the effectiveness of LLLT as a treatment for hair loss.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) Devices

Some patients are choosing Low-Level Laser Therapy Devices as a non-surgical hair restoration treatment for pattern hair loss. These devices, which feature laser light generated by low-powered cold lasers, include hand-held “comb”, “brush” or “cap” laser-fueled devices marketed for use at home. Larger “hood” or “cap” devices are used in hair restoration medical clinics. Laser light is not approved or suggested for treatment of hair loss due to any other cause. If the cause of hair loss is suspicious, you should see a physician hair restoration specialist for appropriate diagnosis before using a LLLT product.

The “cold” lasers used as a hair replacement therapy for the treatment of pattern baldness deliver what is called low-level laser therapy (LLLT). The LLLT lasers are referred to as “cold” due to their light is absorbed by target tissue, but does not heat the target tissue as occurs with lasers used to cut and redesign tissue. Here we will outline some of the home LLLT devices available for your usage.

Hand-held LLLT devices for home use that are currently marketed on the World Wide Web and by advertising in print media include:

References:

Co-founder of HarVokseClinic.com. When his partner (Eleora Sills) experienced hair loss problem and got a great result using Har Vokse, he decided to help others by creating a website about hair loss treatments.